French cycling sensation Paul Seixas, 19, has declared his intention to challenge world number one Tadej Pogačar head-to-head this spring, dismissing any fear in favor of respect for his rivals. The audacious stance from the Decathlon CMA CGM rider comes as he prepares for a demanding classics campaign, including his debut appearances at Strade Bianche, La Flèche Wallonne, and Liège-Bastogne-Liège.
“There is impatience to give 100 percent. You have to win when everyone is there, We see the most important and rewarding for a racer who has a competitive spirit,” Seixas told Cyclismactu. “The goal is not to take over when he (Pogačar) is no longer there. The goal is to be able to beat him one day.”
Seixas’s confidence is fueled by a spectacular start to his sophomore professional season at the Volta ao Algarve in Portugal, where he secured his first professional victory with a stage win and finished second overall against a strong field including Juan Ayuso, João Almeida, and Oscar Onley. The win came on the same mountain where Pogačar claimed his first professional win in 2019, a coincidence not lost on French media.
The young Frenchman’s willingness to confront cycling’s established stars contrasts with the approach of some competitors, such as Belgian Arnaud De Lie, who recently opted to skip Milan-San Remo, citing a lack of opportunity against Pogačar and Mathieu van der Poel. Seixas, however, is eager to test his limits.
“I still have to progress, because they are still a little above,” Seixas acknowledged, referring to Pogačar and Remco Evenepoel. “Now I aim for to measure my progress compared to last year, when I was already able to confront them. I reckon if you’re afraid, you’ve already lost. The word ‘fear’ is too strong and does not mean what you feel at the beginning of a race. I would say more that there is respect, a lot of respect for these guys.”
His spring program will also include a challenge for a first general classification triumph at the Itzulia Basque Country, where he will face Isaac del Toro, Ayuso, Primož Roglič, and Mikel Landa. Seixas views these races as crucial opportunities to gauge his development and identify areas for improvement.
“The goal is to raise your arms as much as possible, but to raise your arms, you have to race against the best,” he said. “There was already a huge plateau in the Algarve, but it’s these top riders who have the most impact on a race are the ones I have to race against, so I can realize what I lack to reach the highest level.”
Seixas’s rapid ascent has already captured the attention of the French cycling public, eager for a homegrown grand tour contender. His rookie season included a victory at the Avenir – a race also won by Pogačar – and a top-10 finish at the Critérium du Dauphiné against a formidable lineup of rivals. He also finished third at the European road championships behind Pogačar and Evenepoel.
While a decision on his grand tour debut remains pending, with the Vuelta a España considered a more likely option than the Tour de France to shield him from immediate pressure, Seixas is focused on the challenges ahead. His team, Decathlon CMA CGM, backed by a French retail giant and one of the world’s biggest shipping companies, is clearly investing in his potential.
Confirmed spring program for Paul Seixas:
- Faun-Ardèche Classic (February 28)
- Strade Bianche (March 7)
- Itzulia Basque Country (April 6)
- La Flèche Wallonne (April 22)
- Liège-Bastogne-Liège (April 26)
